In response to requests from constituents and concerned business owners, the Department of Transportation and Parking recently installed stop signs to make it safer for pedestrians to cross the street at two high-traffic intersections.

The intersection of Harrison Street and Observer Highway has been a growing concern for residents and businesses in the area who have seen more pedestrians attempt to navigate through heavy southbound traffic volumes. This concern was raised by the Hoboken Business Center as well as residents who regularly attempt to cross there.

�The new stop sign for southbound traffic will have minimal impact on driver travel times during peak periods, but will even the playing field for everyone trying to cross this street, particularly children, parents with strollers, and the elderly,� said Transportation and Parking Director Ian Sacs.

Uptown, concerns about pedestrian safety have also been raised by residents at the intersection of Park Avenue and 12th Street. After an analysis of vehicle and pedestrian volumes, a stop sign was approved for this location as well.

Both intersections will now operate as “All Way Stop” intersections. The benefit of this traffic control configuration is that it allows pedestrians the safety benefit of drivers coming to a complete stop at all approaches and prevents the �intimidation� associated with fast-moving cars.

Traffic Calming Toolking & Request Form
All way stops are discussed in the City’s recently introduced “Traffic Calming Toolkit” as a way to continue to improve pedestrian safety at intersections where appropriate. Residents may download the Traffic Calming Toolkit from the City website: http://www.hobokennj.org/trafficcalming. The toolkit includes a Traffic Calming Request form that can be used to report problem areas and request traffic calming measures.